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Scroll through our tips, tricks and more information about Home Improvement and Painting!

Fresh Home Upgrades for All Seasons

Published by Double G Painting Contractor on April 20, 2018

Now is the best time to give your home a fresh, new look. The best part of a home upgrade is that just by using some tweaks and tricks of the trade, we can leave your friends and family awestruck and you holding a bag full of compliments for your warm, welcoming, and fresh home. Here are a couple of ideas to get you started on upgrading your home this season.

Embrace the Natural LightIntroduction of natural light will brighten your rooms in a completely different manner. Apart from just windows, one of the best upgrades for a fresh home is to include skylights. Skylights are available in different types, such as roof windows, fixed, and tubular. They can be customized to meet your functional and space needs.

Get Your Home to BreatheOver the winter months, the windows collect grime and residue that blocks the fresh air to enter freely. It is best to get your windows and other openings cleaned so that they are shiny and allow proper ventilation of air. Hiring a contractor will get the laborious work of cleaning vents, ducts, and openings done in a fast and efficient manner.

Add a Pop of ColorIt is no secret that a fresh coat of paint can give your home a remodelled look. Take time to choose the right colors and don’t be shy—embrace the season's colors and explore the new seasonal trends.You can get color inspirations for the interiors from the flora and fauna around you. Focus more on the type of mood you want to create and stay with refreshing colors such as bold blues, rich greens, and vibrant orange, or go all out with rosy pink and flora accents to match if that resonates with your personality.

You can also introduce character to your room by painting the ceiling. This will get rid of texture that might appear dingy and dated and will complement the walls for a more cohesive look. If you aren’t sure how to approach painting a ceiling or selecting its color, consider playing with shades of the wall color for added dimension and cohesiveness.

Hiring a painting contractor will be your best bet to refresh your home this season. Oftentimes it is more cost-effective and less cumbersome than doing it yourself, and it gets your house painting done in a timely manner! A new season means different things to different people: landscaping, outdoor activities, home projects, appliance maintenance, spring break, and so on. But for homeowners, it is time to start working on a fresh home outlook and clean up after Old Man Winter.However we are more thank happy tooffer free tips on the best materials for the job, and other important information for free!

Rainwater Harvesting

Published by Double G Painting Contractor on March 8, 2018

An ancient technique is making a big comeback in San Diego called rainwater harvesting. If you are continually looking for new ways to be more eco-friendly and conserve water, you’ve probably already heard of this technique and may already being using a rainwater harvesting system for your landscape.

A rainwater harvesting systems are designed to collect and store rainwater, and then you can use it for multiple purposes such as irrigating your landscape. There are a range of systems that you can choose from whether you want something simple or more complex. To help you learn more about whether rainwater harvesting is right for you, and if you’re properly maintaining your system, here is a bit of information.

Best Practices for Rainwater Harvesting in San DiegoAs with any system that involved multiple components, there are going to be a few best practices that you want to apply. Here we look at three of these, but trust that there are more!

Be Mindful When Choosing Your SystemWhen choosing a system for you, pay attention to what your goals are for the rainwater and what you can maintain. Some systems are going to be more sophisticated and these require a little more effort. While the payoff is worth it when it comes to saving money and doing your part for the environment, you want to make sure that you get the right size for your needs.

Make Sure You Have a Clean GutterGutter cleaning is going to be essential because the water is going to channel to the holding container. If the gutter is clogged or dirty, it can impact the quality and amount of water that you collect. If you aren’t prepared for gutter cleaning whether you don’t have the equipment to get the job done correctly or lack the time, get the pros involved to help.

Placement of Storage Tanks MattersTo ensure your tank stays clean and that you place it in an area that is stable. You don’t want it to grow algae or to lean because this could cause issues down the road.

How Professional Contractors Can HelpProfessional contractors can help you with everything from gutter cleaning to washing your roof. And if you want to learn more about the best practices when it comes to rainwater harvesting in San Diego and how to maintain certain areas of your home, reach out to a contractor today.

The Importance of Cleaning Your Gutters

Published by Double G Painting Contractor on January 18, 2018

Your gutters play an important role for your home. They collect rainwater runoff from the roof and distribute it away from the home’s foundation. But, to keep them functioning as they were designed, you’ll need to give them a little TLC from time to time. To ensure the job gets done efficiently, safely, and conveniently, you can bring in the pros to handle gutter cleaning in San Diego for you. While rain gutter cleaning may not be on the top of your list, it’s essential that you get the job done and here are a few reasons why.

To keep the bugs awayWhen gutters are filled with debris and water, bugs will swarm the area from flies to mosquitoes. These can then start to invade your favorite outdoor spaces and even your home depending on the condition of the gutters. Plus, the pests may nest in your gutters and this can make them even more unpleasant to clean, as well as leave you susceptible to bites.

To prevent rot and moldIf the gutters are clogged (or so full they pull away from the house) and can’t do their job, you’ll soon learn that the water goes somewhere. Often, that is down the side of your home causing mold and rot on the siding. You’ll start by noticing the stains on the outside of your home, or leaks in your roof where water is building up. Once the damage is done, the repairs are expensive, but you can prevent them when you call in the pros for gutter cleaning in San Diego.

To protect the foundationThe last place you want water to collect is around the foundation of your home. That’s why gutters are designed to keep water away from the home. However, when they aren’t properly attached or they’re full, they can’t do the job correctly causing the foundation to crack over time.

To improve your curb appealWhen gutters are overflowing with debris or hanging incorrectly, it isn’t the most attractive thing to look at. If you want to improve curb appeal and keep your landscape looking fantastic, take the time to invest in cleaning out your gutters. Whether you haven’t had your gutters cleaned since the leaves have fallen (or you can’t remember the last time you cleaned them), call in the pros for an affordable service and check this to-do task off your list.

Why Winter Is the Best Time to Paint Your Home’s Interior

Published by Double G Painting Contractor on November 21, 2017

When the cold winds begin to blow and the snow is falling, some people do not think about home remodeling tasks. Interior painting can be a refreshing change from shoveling snow and other chores required during the winter months. Below are a few good reasons to think about when choosing home remodeling projects and the timeline in which you do them.

1. Utilize Down TimeDuring the winter, there are times when the entire family is home for the holidays and outside time with family is limited, so try to make the most of your time inside by painting your home’s interior. Take advantage of the time away from work and those days with you feel trapped at home by being more productive. Since the entire family is stuck indoors as well, it could be a fun time for all to help out making wonderful changes to your home.

2. Save Money When Professionals Are AvailableMost professional contractors look at winter as a down time. Since the majority of their projects tend to be outside and cannot be done in the harsh winter, they understand that finding jobs is limited. This could be a huge advantage for you because they will be willing to take on projects cheaper than during their peak times. Take advantage of this and save money!

3. Earlier Daylight Helps the Early BirdsPainting your home in the winter is great because the sun rises earlier and you can complete your tasks sooner in the day. This can be a huge advantage to people who are always up early, but another advantage is that you will be done with your daily project goals earlier so you can spend quality time with the family in the evening. Home projects don’t have to be a burden, especially if they work around quality time.

4. Paint Dries QuickerDue to the limited humidity that is an issue in the summer, you will find that the paint on your interior projects dries much faster during the winter. You will be amazed since it seems to be contradictory to normal thought, but the cold crisp air from outside can air out a room and help the paint dry quickly.

5. Free Up Time for Other ProjectsA huge benefit of painting the interior of your home in the winter is that it allows you to complete other projects throughout the remainder of the year that can only be completed when it’s not chilly outside. Deck repairs, gardening, and exterior painting are just a few examples of things to be done in the spring and summer. If you have completed the interior of your home during the winter, you can take care of the outside projects without feeling like you are neglecting the interior of your home.

Exterior Painting Tips for All Seasons

Published by Double G Painting Contractor on October 13, 2017

Now that the kids are back in school and you may have some more time on your hands, completing some of the home improvement tasks that you avoided all summer seems possible. One popular home improvement task in the fall is exterior painting of your home since the temperatures are lower and it is more comfortable. Here are some exterior painting tips to make things easier this fall.

Temperatures

Even though the temperature is cooler and you are not as hot, you have to gauge the temperature so that the paint will do what it needs to do. Most paints and stains require you to apply them to your home in temperatures above 50 degrees Fahrenheit. Luckily when you are completing exterior painting in Glendale, this is fairly easy. This allows for the best results and no problems with the application. If you have to deal with colder temperatures, then you can look for products that will give you that flexibility.

Outside Weather Factors

Not only are there considerations for temperature, but you also need to make sure to keep an eye on moisture on the exterior of the house that tends to build up more in the fall than in the summer when it is dryer. A rule of thumb is check the temperature and make sure it is at least 5 degrees higher than the dew point to prevent moisture build up that could cause unsightly water spots on your paint. Additionally, be sure to check the weather forecast to ensure that no rain is expected within a few days of painting.

Application

When you are painting your home in the fall, you will need to paint around your house in the direction of the sun. Start painting the portion of your house that is in the sun and work your way around as the sun moves. That allows for better drying since the temperature is lower than in the summer time. Another thing to remember about painting in the fall is that the paint will take longer to dry and you will need to allow more time between applying additional coats. You should wait at least 24 hours between coats for best results.

Times

The standard time for you to apply your paint outside in the fall would be between 10:00 am and 3:00 pm. Not only are these the suggested times to apply the paint, but they also seem to work well with school schedules so you have less interruptions in the process.

Make Vacation Colors A Part Of Your Home

Published by Double G Painting Contractor on August 24, 2017

There is nothing that can take the stress out of daily life like going on vacation, and you may not realize that the colors that surround you during these trips play a significant role in those feelings. Whether a vacation calms you or gives you energy, there are a few ways that you can enhance your home with the colors of your favorite vacation spot to bring that peaceful feeling into your everyday home. Here we provide you with a few tips to help you make vacation colors a part of your home.

Get Out the Vacation Photo AlbumWhether you are planning on hiring professionals for exterior painting in Glendale, CA or you want to start redecorating your home one room at a time, you should check out a few vacation photos of you at your favorite spots. Whether you love the beach, are an avid hiker that takes to the mountains for retreat, or prefer the desert scenery, you will find interior painting inspirations and some beautiful colors for the outside of your home when you look at the images of the vacation destinations that you’ve been to. But you don’t have to limit yourself to personal vacations. You can look at images online that have been taken by photographers and even older pictures of where your parents took you on vacation when you were younger.

Choose the Colors That Match Your ThemeOnce you have decided what vacation spot you would like to model your home after, you can start looking at interior and exterior paint colors. The beach will generally be filled with sparkling white sand and crystal blue and green waters, while mountains will provide vibrant greens in the spring and burnt red and orange in the fall. The dessert will be filled with earth tones such as browns, tans, and reds. Consider taking your favorite photos to a paint store so you can match hues and find the perfect one.

Take Your Décor to the Next LevelOnce you have selected a professional company for the interior painting and have added colors to the walls, you can take your vacation décor to the next level and find shelving, wall hangings, furniture, and more to accent the colors. If you have exterior painting completed, you can enhance your outdoor space with lawn ornaments that match your theme.

Once the painting project is complete, you can kick back and relax in your home like you are on vacation, even if you are far away from the actual destination.

When to Repair Driveway Cracks

Published by Double G Painting Contractor on July 12, 2017

Most people consider cracks an issue in the entryway to their home, their front porch, or by the front door, but cracks on your driveway are problematic and unattractive as well. You and your visitors are always welcomed to your home by the concrete patch that you park your car on, so when unsightly cracks, holes, or basic deterioration begin to show up, you need to take a look at what is causing the problems and how to correct it with driveway repair. This is the perfect time to contact a professional to assist you with the challenge.

Concrete Driveway Repair

Cracks or divots in your driveway could be signaling a larger problem than just age. Although concrete driveways usually last the life of the home, various situations could indicate the need for a repair of some sort. When you contact a professional like John Gregg in Glendale or Los Angeles, he will be able to assess the situation and determine exactly what is causing the issues with your driveway.

Usually the cracks are part of a basic aging process and a simple driveway crack repair can cover up the issue and provide many years of continued life for your driveway in the future. Sometimes there may be a larger issue that would cause the distress, like the subgrade being improperly compacted, the concrete not being mixed correctly, or just exposure to extreme weather. Any of these issues can be handled with cement driveway repair.

Types of Driveway Repairs

Depending on your budget, some of the ways to repair driveway cracks include concrete resurfacing, concrete engraving, or slabjacking. If you want more information about these options and how your budget will fit into the repairs, give us a call today.

Concrete resurfacing can sometimes be the best solution because it easily covers up the existing flaws and can make the driveway look new again. Once any cracks or areas of repair are taken care of, a new surface is bonded to the existing driveway.

Concrete engraving places patterns in your driveway and can use the minor cracks and issues to accentuate the design and include them into the overall look of the driveway.

Slabjacking is the concept of pumping additives like sand or cement under the sunken part of your driveway to lift it up into the original position.

No matter which method you decide, John Gregg and Double G Painting and General Contracting can help you with your solution. If you reside in Glendale or Los Angeles, give us a call so we can make sure your concrete or asphalt driveway repairs are handled in the professional manner they deserve.

Getting the Accent Wall Right for Your General Home Improvement in Los Angeles

Published by Double G Painting Contractor on June 19, 2017

When sprucing up your home in Glendale, CA, accent or feature walls are a great way to refresh or add that professional touch that can be utilized in almost any room.

An accent wall can not only freshen up the space, but can also help to add size and a feeling of depth. If the right wall is chosen, using color or patterns to feature a wall and give a complete look can be achieved. Doing this yourself is possible but consulting a professional painting contractor in Los Angeles means that you can get it right first time.

Choosing the Right Color

Color is normally the first thing that enters your head when thinking about painting any wall or room, but making a color choice can sometimes begin to feel overwhelming. There are a few different approaches to choosing color for an accent wall but a simple way to begin choosing can look like this:

Think about what will be achieved by adding an accent wall.

If you would like to achieve a more open or larger look, cooler colors are normally the way to go (purple – blue – green).Whereas, if you would like a more balanced look, warm colors are a better choice (red – orange – yellow)Color is also very personal and can completely change the mood of a room, therefore matching the color to the room’s purpose can help. For instance, choosing a bright yellow can be energizing and cheerful making it a good choice for rooms that see a lot of activity. In the same way, a calmer cooler color can be beneficial in a bedroom or office where you want the atmosphere to be more calming.

Now, Which Wall to Paint?

Having the correct wall featured in the room is a crucial step, and painting the wrong wall can tend to upset the balance of the room. In most cases, the wall that stands out the most as you enter the room is the feature wall. This may be at the head of the bed, surrounding the fireplace, or just the first wall that your eye is drawn to.

How Can We Help?

Our team at Double G Painting contractor has years of experience helping homeowners in Glendale, CA make the perfect choice for any room. We are proud to offer unparalleled service for what your home needs and we are passionate about projects ranging from handyman services in LA to general contracting.

If you’re looking for some assistance with your accent wall, don’t hesitate to give us a call. Or if you need any other services, like drywall and stucco in Los Angeles or gutters and wood replacement in LA, we can help. We also provide Los Angeles cement and epoxy coatings, along with other general handyman services. We look forward to speaking with you soon!

Top 4 Reasons to Hire a Professional Painter

Published by Double G Painting Contractor on May 30, 2017

There are not many homeowners that want to spend their weekends painting their homes or businesses. Yet for some reason, people continually choose to take this task on as a DIY project, only to be left painting well into the night in frustration. If you have painting your home on your To Do list, here are a few reasons why you should hire a professional painter versus taking on the task yourself.

#1: You Don’t Have to Buy Expensive EquipmentWhen you bring in professional painters, you will appreciate that you don’t have to go out and make multiple trips to the hardware store to buy material that ends up costing way more than you anticipated. When you go with the pros, they will show up prepared with professional grade equipment and a complete understanding of how to use it properly to get you the best final results.

#2: You Save Lots (and Lots) of TimeUnless you get half of your family to come help (and then you can’t be sure of the results), you will save a significant amount of time when you enlist the pros. They know the exact techniques to use so the job is completed with accuracy and speed, but they never rush because pros don’t leave sloppy or amateur work behind.

#3: Professionals Are InsuredWhether you are painting the inside or outside of your home, there will be awkward positions, tools and supplies laid out, and ladders that need to be climbed, and you want to make sure that you not only bring in a company that uses the best safety precautions but is also insured. This way, you and your home are protected and you can rest easy while heavy equipment and ladders are being used.

#4: The Highest Standards Will Be AppliedThe professionals will leave you with the highest standard of workmanship because their reputation is vital to growing their business, and a painting project completed with precision is the best way to get the word out. You can trust that they will use their experience to reach perfection with each corner and edge, and you will be left with a space that you love.

Let Us Be Your Exterior Painting and General Contracting Solution in Glendale, CA

Published by Double G Painting Contractor on April 20, 2017

We are excited to announce that we have expanded our business to the Glendale, CA as well as continuing to provide the same superior services to those in the San Diego areas. We look forward to enhancing your curb appeal and increasing your home’s property with our professional painting and general contracting services, and we are fast to respond and quick to get to work. Reach out today to learn more about our exterior paint services, pricing, and much more!

The Benefits of Exterior PaintWhether you are selling your home or you want to enhance the appearance of your property, a coat of fresh paint can do wonders. Beyond giving your home a new look, it can improve the ambiance of your entire neighborhood and will add a touch of elegance to your outdoor space.

Exterior paint will help protect your structure from the natural elements like blistering hot sun, snow, high humidity, rain, and all types of moisture. You will appreciate that a professional paint job will prevent peeling, fading, and flaking that can look unattractive and dull the appearance of your home. You will also prevent mold and mildew from developing, and this can be a very expensive problem to correct. Hiring a professional exterior painter will be the best way to stay proactive when the temperatures and moisture comes your way.

The Qualities You Should Expect from ProfessionalsWe know that you have a busy schedule, and the professionals can take the stress out of handling such a big project for your home. We have the equipment, techniques, and show up ready to get to work. We know the signs to look for when the weather causes your paint to break down. As a premium exterior painters, we will be able to get the job done faster so that you can take back your weekend and relax while we do the heavy lifting.

Let Us Do the Work So You Can Enjoy the ResultsWe are focused on your complete satisfaction and we love giving our community the best results for their homes. The owner, John Gregg, is passionate about the industry and making sure each project is exceptional and free of stress. We are straightforward about our affordable pricing, procedures, and timeframes, and we look forward to hearing from you!

Gutter Cleaning

Published by Double G Painting Contractor on February 23, 2017

Having properly functioning gutters around your home is important for several reasons. They’re there to make sure that water drains correctly when it is raining. If they’re not operating properly, unnecessary frustration can set in, along with problems that can easily be avoided. That is why you need to have your gutters cleaned regularly, but one of the last things that you want to be doing with your precious free time is cleaning out those gutters by hand. Here is a list of the top three reasons to have a professional home gutter cleaning.

1. Prevents Flooding Around Your Foundation

You do not want to have water build up where your house’s foundation meets the ground. Having clogged gutters will force the rainwater over the edge of the gutters and instead of being guided to drainage areas, it may build up and puddle next to your home. This can lead to foundation issues over time if left untreated. This can easily be prevented by having buildup removed from your gutters.

2. Dripping Water Causes Trenching

One thing you do not want around your home is little trenches formed from water pouring over your clogged gutters. A Los Angeles gutter cleaning expert can make sure that this doesn’t happen to your home. Trenches do not cause any damage but can be a nuisance to fill in and can be an eyesore.

3. Prevents Mud Formation

Mud is meant for creeks and ponds, not your backyard. Without a house gutter cleaning service, you could be looking at mud forming around your home due to oversaturation during rain. This can present many issues for your foundation on top of just being messy. Our experience allows us to be one of the top gutter cleaning services available in Los Angeles. One of our highly skilled gutter cleaners will be able to take a close look at your gutters and determine an appropriate course of action for whatever need you may have.

Home gutter cleaning is often neglected and not dealt with until it becomes a problem. At that point, it is already a major inconvenience to clean your gutters yourself. It is important to have your gutters cleaned before they get too bad because if you wait too long, you could be looking at foundation problems, a muddy yard, and trenches forming around your home. It is best to be proactive and clean them before they get out of control, so give us a call today!

Tips for Choosing Exterior Paint Colors

Published by Double G Painting Contractor on October 31, 2016

When you need an exterior painter in Los Angeles, one of the most important choices to make is what color to paint the exterior of your home. Are you having trouble with this? It sure is a tough choice, because once you have chosen and committed to your color, it’s hard to turn back. So when

choosing a color, it’s important to make the right choice, which will save you troubles down the road. Here are some simple tips which will help you choose the right paint color for your home.

Consider the Architectural Style of Your HomeThe architectural style of your home has a huge bearing on what paint color scheme will look good on it. If you have a historical home, you would have to choose a color scheme that stays honest to the historical colors that such homes have. Likewise for modern homes you would also have to choose colors that match as well.

Consider the Color Schemes of Homes Around YouDid you know that surrounding homes can have an impact on whether a color will suit your home or not? You don’t want to be painting your home in a color that clashes with the style of homes around you. Likewise, you don’t want to be painting your home the exact same color as your immediate neighbor. Basically, you want to be painting your home in a color that complements the homes around you (But you can be a bit bold, if you like).

Consider the Exterior Features of Your HomeYour home has many exterior features that are permanent, and should be considered when choosing a color. What color is your roof? What color are your pathways and driveways? What color is your landscaping? Do you have any other exterior features that may have an effect on the color choice? When choosing a color for your home, try to make sure it matches your permanent exterior features.

Don’t Forget Other Parts of Your HomeWhen choosing an exterior paint color for your home, it isn’t just the walls that need painting. What about other parts as well, like your window shutters, your window frames, and your guttering etc? So it’s not just a single color to choose, it’s a whole color scheme. This may make things more complicated for you, but considering whole color scheme instead of just one color will bring you closer to making the right choice. So take a look at different color schemes and see how they go together, and decide whether they’ll work with your home and surroundings.

Always Test Different Colors BeforehandOnce you’ve started to paint your home exterior it can be troublesome and expensive to change your mind about the color. So it’s a good idea to test out different colors before you commit to the full painting job. First, hold up paint swatches against the walls to see how it looks, and against landscape features to see it it matches. Secondly, start off by painting small portions of your walls, and see how it looks during both the daytime and the night time. The last thing you want is to paint a whole wall, only to discover that you’ve chosen the wrong color.

Ask the ProfessionalsIf you’re still having trouble deciding what color or color scheme to paint the outside of your home, you can get help from professional experts. They have a thorough knowledge of what colors of paint will go with what homes, and what color combinations can go together. At Double G Painting and General Contracting, we can give you the help you need when it comes to choosing an exterior paint color for your home, and we are the painting contractor in Los Angeles who can paint your home for you too. So give us a call today if you’re looking for an LA County painter in your area.

How To Prepare To Paint Your Home

Published by Double G Painting Contractor on August 15, 2016

When you are preparing for an exterior paint job, the proper preparation techniques are vital in order to ensure your work is long-lasting and makes the right impression. Exterior painting takes more preparation than interior painting because of the outdoor elements like sun damage, weather damage, dirt, bugs, and animals. Exterior paint preparation involves the following steps that you may want to consider having done by a professional exterior painting company.

Removing Old PaintThere are a few different paint removal methods to help you paint prep for your home.

ScrapingUse a wide-blade putty knife and a wire brush to remove small areas of defective or leftover paint. Pay close attention to downspouts and gutters and scrub under the laps of clapboard siding. For quicker work on metal, a wire brush attachment for an electric drill will remove rust and paint with less effort and in a speedier fashion. For more extensive paint removal, invest in a sharp pull scraper — a special tool with a replaceable blade that’s capable of stripping your home’s old paint all the way down to wood with one single scrape. Hold the tool upright an be careful not to gouge the surface.

SandingFor smoothing the edges of small scraped spots here and there, you can create your own easy to make and affordable sanding tool– wrap a piece of sandpaper around a wood block. For larger areas though, it’s much easier and more effective to use an electric orbital sander rather than do it the old fashion, wood block way. Move it up and down or back and forth across the surface to remove old paint and smooth rough edges at the same time to create a smooth surface for the new paint. Stay away from using electric disc sanders or belt sanders as both can leave swirls in the wood that would show through your new paint.

MeltingFor areas on your home where there are particularly heavy deposits of paint, heat may be more effective than muscle for paint removal. One way to apply that heat is with an electric paint remover. An electric paint remover is a device with a heating element that “cooks” the old paint and has a built-in scraper to pull it off after it’s been heated. Wear heavy gloves and hold the heating element against the surface until you hear the paint sizzle. Pull the remover firmly over the surface you’re removing the paint from. The attached scraper will then pull off the cooked paint as you go. Sounds like fun, right?

Liquid Paint RemoversLiquid paint removers should only be used as a last resort. Although they work well, they are costly, especially on big jobs and they can get messy, slopping onto areas where you didn’t want paint removed.

Remove Dust, Dirt, and MildewUse a cloth or soft brush to clean off any dust and dirt from the surfaces to be painted that may have been left behind during paint removal. Remove chalk residue with a brush or water, and be sure to remove any mildew that may be trapped under slats or near gutters. For caked-on dirt that requires more than just a cloth, use a scrub brush or a sponge with a pail of warm water with a quality, strong household detergent in it. Work from the top down to eliminate drips, and rinse all areas where you scrubbed with soap with water. Not only will this part of the paint prep process get the outside of your house clean and provide a dirt-free foundation for the next coating, it will also help you find surface flaws that have to be dealt with later like rusty nails or decaying wood.

For bigger houses or for faster work on smaller houses, you can rent or buy (we suggest renting) a high-pressure spray cleaner. This device attaches to your home’s water-supply system and sprays out a jet of water at extreme pressure– about 600 pounds per square inch. It is equipped with a handheld wand tipped with a trigger-activated nozzle for easy control and use. The pressure from this spray cleaner is high enough to dislodge not only stubborn dirt, mildew, stains, and dried-on sea-spray salt, it’s also enough to remove peeling paint which can save you a lot of time. Always wear goggles and follow the manufacturers directions when using this tool!

Resetting Popped NailsThe house cleaning may reveal some flaws like nails that have popped out of the siding or rusting nail heads that have left streaks of rust on your exterior walls. If so, use sandpaper or steel wool to clean off the nail heads and remove any rust or dirt. On clapboard siding, use a nail set to recess the nail head about ⅛ inch below the surface of the wood so it’s not sticking out. Whether rusted or not, dab on a coat of rust-inhibiting primer (unless the nail is aluminum or nonrusting galvanized steel), and let it dry. Then fill the nail hole with spackle to make the surface even. When the filler is dry, give it a coat of primer before painting the whole house with primer.

PrimingOnce you’ve removed all of the loose paint from your home, and cleaned off any dirt or dust, you should apply primer, especially to the distressed areas that may expose raw wood or bare metal. Priming is always required when you are working with new wood. These coatings provide extra protection against the elements and they also form a solid foundation for your finishing paints. You’ll choose which primer to use based on the type of paint you are using later on. For example, for latex paint, use latex primers.

Other Prep WorkEven if you’re lucky enough to skip spot-scraping, sanding, and repriming your house, there are still some prepainting chores to attend to that are just as important to a successful job.

Rust stains on siding, overhangs, and foundations should be completely removed. Leaks in gutters and downspouts should be repaired and loose caulking should be replaced. Also replace any split shingles. Cracks in the side of the house should be filled, sanded, and primed.

Also, to make painting easier the following things should be removed, cleaned, and painted separately: storm windows, screens, shutters, awnings, wall-mounted light fixtures (be sure to turn the power supply off), the mailbox, and even the street address numbers! You may even want to remove your downspouts, as it’s difficult to get a paintbrush behind them without getting paint on them.

Covering ShrubsTrees, bushes, and ornamental shrubs should also be considered during your houses exterior paint prep. They can get in the

way of your painting so be sure to prune any close branches that may brush up against the outside of your home. Trees that grow close to your house can be wrapped with canvas drop cloths and secured with rope and a stake. Don’t forget to also cover flowerbeds, small shrubs, sidewalks and driveways too.

Usually, you can complete all of these exterior preparations for an entire house in a single day or over a weekend. If you’re painting a porch or an outbuilding, it may only take an hour or so. If you’re painting with latex paint, you can start painting the following day with no problem; solvent-base paint does not adhere well to moist or wet surfaces so it’s important to wait several days until all the washed surfaces are absolutely dry before applying this type of paint to your home.

Call our expert painters at Double G Painting once you’re ready to give your home the exterior painting makeover you’ve always dreamed of! Our skilled painters take pride in the work they do and work quickly and efficiently without sacrificing quality.

Exterior Paint Ideas For Your Home

Published by Double G Painting Contractor on August 2, 2016

Curb appeal- a term most of us are used to using, but do you use this expression when speaking about your own home? If you’re looking to make a first impression that lasts, changing up the exterior paint color of your home is the easiest way to turn heads. House painting is a simple and affordable way to give your home the facelift it needs! The question then remains, where do you start when looking for exterior painting ideas? The expert painting contractors at Double G Painting have worked together to give you a few ideas for exterior painting for your house.

Plan to spend a little more moneyThe best investment you can make is using a premium paint and hiring a professional exterior painter to get the job done. This will ensure that the job is done right the first time, and that your house’s color lasts as long as possible so you don’t have to constantly touch it up

Search your neighborhood for inspirationExplore your neighborhood and surrounding areas for some color pallets you are drawn to. Search for color schemes you think you’d like to come home to every day. Keep in mind as you’re on your search to look for houses that are similar in style to yours. Snap some photos for reference to take to your exterior painter.

Be mindful of HOAsSome communities are governed by homeowner associations, which enforce strict rules on the aesthetics of homes and properties, more specifically, exterior color choices. Make sure you check with your HOA before painting your house red- HOA rules are typically designed to prevent non-conforming houses from devaluing neighboring properties so your choices may have been narrowed down for you- beige or white?

Think about your house’s permanent materialsIf your home has a stone or brick foundation, accents, or a patio, consider the underlying tones that exist in these materials when choosing your pallet. For example, if you want brown for the exterior of your home and also have a red brick foundation, you’ll want to choose a shade of brown that compliments the warm red brick color such as taupe rather than a peachy tan color.

Don’t forget your trim!If you’re looking to break the mold and stray from the typical white like most houses, try using your homes exterior color for your trim but lighten it up a few shades so it still pops.

Camouflage the garageIn a lot of neighborhoods, especially in the suburbs, your garage will be a very large, front-facing feature of your house whether you like it or not- this is not the most aesthetically pleasing part of your home by any means. To downplay the garage, paint the door that’s similar to the body color of your house. Be sure to check the warranty of your garage door before you do this though- some warranties are voided after you modify them this way.

Historical ChallengesTurn-of-the-century houses are famous for their extensive details- filigree and ornamentation, trim and custom shutters. This can present a challenge for homeowners in terms of upkeep. When choosing a multi-color scheme, buy extra paint for touch-up jobs and be sure to record all paint color identifiers on paper in case you run out or need more. A great tip for keeping the stress down is to choose one color per year to have re-touched on the exterior of your home. This will keep things easy and affordable.

Be mindful with swatchesOnce you’ve narrowed down your paint choices, buy test sized cans and brushes to test how they’ll look on your house. Paint test swatches on north and south sides of your house since the lighting will always be different on either side. Colors dry darker and become more bold when out of the can and dried, and they may look completely different when you see them on your house than how you’d imagined in the store.

The final choiceOnce you’ve narrowed down your color swatches and are ready to bring in an expert, call Double G Painters to help you make your final decision and set a date to take the next step in getting your home the makeover you’re looking for. Our professional and talented exterior and interior painters will take care of you from beginning to end. When you call today you’ll get a free exterior house painting quote from an expert that you can trust. Don’t wait another minute waiting to boost your homes curb appeal!

How a New Coat of Exterior Paint Can Expose Necessary Repairs

Published by Double G Painting Contractor on August 15, 2016

Exterior paint is one of those investments that give you the most bang for your buck. When comparing the amount of money that you invest in a new coat of exterior paint to the increase in value that it adds to your home it’s sort of a no brainer. Even just touching up the shutters and trim around your home’s façade boosts the value of your house.

Tip: If you are looking to sell your home consider painting the exterior of your house a pale yellow. Studies have shown that homes in this shade tend to sell faster and for more money.

Other than increasing the value of your home a new coat of exterior paint will also often expose problems with your home’s exterior that you aren’t area of. When our team of exterior home painters and handymen prep your house to paint it is our goal to identifying other issues that might require repairs. By finding these problems early on it saves you as the homeowner time, money, and unnecessary headaches in the future. Of course, it is up to you if you would like to move forward with repairing any found problem areas but we wouldn’t be doing our jobs right if we didn’t make you area of these concerns.

What kind of problems can be found when prepping a home for exterior paint?DeckIs the foundation of your home settling? Are any pieces of wood beginning to rot? Are there any signs of water damage? If so we will assess the necessary repairs and give you a full analysis of whether it is an issue that needs to be rectified immediately or can wait. Often times we will recommend that we implement any exterior home improvements while we are already on site to save you time and money.

Windows & DoorsOur team of exterior painting experts will check to see if your windows and doors are properly sealed with no visible gaps. Do the trims or structure have any signs of decay? If so these problems could be increasing your energy bill since it makes the air conditioner or heater less effective with these gaps allowing air to freely escape. Are your doors or windows crooked? These are often signs of your home settling, but don’t fret our skilled handymen will be able to make the necessary adjustment to make your door and/or window hang properly.

SidingIf you don’t already, caulking your siding should be a normal maintenance task to ensure that water is being properly blocked from entering. During winter vinyl siding is extremely vulnerable while brick and stone can fail over time allowing water to penetrate. Checking for any exposed gaps, damaged areas, or vulnerable sections will ensure that your home is in tippy top shape.

Wood TrimAre there signs of rotting or insect damage? Did any aluminum cord stock used to cover your trim get ripped off by high winds? If so replacing and repairing these damages are vital to the health of your home’s exterior.

How do you know it’s time to for a new coat of exterior paint?All exterior paint has a certain life span that all depends on the quality of paint that was used. So other than just the expiration date approaching what are other signs that it is time for a fresh coat of exterior paint? Water damage from humidity, rain, snow, and frost all negatively affect your exterior paint. These elements can cause the paint to swell and soften, this leads to cracking, blistering, peeling, and flaking. The biggest concern of water damage is that all of these factors support the growth of mildew and mold.

What are other reasons for the exterior paint to crack and flake? If your area has experienced dramatic fluctuation in temperatures, like an extreme summer and extreme winter, it can cause the surface of your home’s exterior to crack if the paint that was applied isn’t flexible enough.

5 Exterior Paint Color Combinations For Your Beach Home That Are Seaside Worthy

Published by Double G Painting Contractor on March 10, 2016

Finding the right shade of exterior paint for your stunning San Diego beach home is easier than you think. As an expert exterior painting company we have seen our fair share of stunning seaside homes, cottages, mansions, and buildings. Here are a few of our favorite color combos when it comes to painting beach homes!

Tropical Bungalow

Choosing off beat color combinations like bright pinks, lime greens, and sunny yellows create a tropical island feel. These “look at me” hues will turn your home into a bungalow oasis that is sure to create a relaxing environment and provoke a craving for some tropical blended drinks. Our team of expert exterior painters can help you to choose the perfect bold color scheme to turn your beach-side home into a tropical getaway.

Bright and Sunny

In sunny San Diego we are no stranger to how vivid shades of yellow and the clear blue sky can instantly brighten your day. The same concept applies to the exterior of your home! Incorporating bright sunny shades of yellow or beachy blues can instantly breathe life into your life luster homes facade and turn any house into an adorable beach shack. As San Diego’s top painter we can custom pick the perfect hue to instantly bring a smile to your face every time you come home.

Bold Hues

Are you ready to add some bold colors to your beach homes curb appeal? Picking an unexpected bright hue to your shutters, trim, and front door is a great way to make your house stand out and exude seaside escape without going overboard. If you’re ready to add some interest and pizzazz to your residence with exterior paint our team of painting experts specialize in creating one of a kind paint designs for San Diego homes.

Classic Nautical

Looking for a way to bring that east coast New England chic vibe into your Southern California beach home? Nothing says classical seaside like exterior paint shades of red, white, and blue. Adding this nautical vibe to your home’s exterior is surefire way to give your house that picturesque beach feel. Our exterior painting services can help you determine the best ways to bring those nautical colors to your homes facade. Whether it’s through your home’s trim, window frames, porch, or door our team of skilled exterior painters will be there to provide excellent customer service every step of the way.

Traditionally Monochromatic

A fresh coat of exterior paint is the best way to boost your seaside homes curb appeal. Keeping your color scheme in paint shades that are similar in hue is a foolproof way to give your oceanfront house that elegant and sophisticated monochromatic feel. Choosing to add crisp white to your trim instantly gives your beach cottage a stylish update.

Our San Diego team of exterior painters is the best in the industry. Whatever your vision is for your beach home we have the knowledge and skill to come up with the best plan of action and experience needed to execute it flawlessly. Call us today for a free no-hassle estimate!

John Gregg, Double G Painting

Published by Double G Painting Contractor on November 25, 2016

This job was completed this time last year. We spent about (3) three months on remodeling the entire interior and exterior to its original state. Standing in Historical area of Mission Hills at over 100 year old, this house was really neglected. Everything had been let go for about 25 years. There was trees and bushes overgrown all around the exterior, all of the retainer walls and stucco was falling apart. The interior flooring was stained and unvarnished, plaster cracks and openings throughout the interior. There was old electrical pipe housing units not in use stuck to the sides of the walls. Especially all the patio retaining walls was broken up, falling apart, connecting from the main house to the garage. We knocked down the walls and rebuilt them. We was able to save the concrete floor on the exterior patio by repairing all the cracks and applying a Semi-Solid concrete stain.

All n all this was a major remodeling job for Double G General Contracting, Inc. We completed it on time, saved the owners money where possible, and kept the homes Historical status in the area by keeping it all the same. Also we kept everything in house, meaning we did not have to sub out any of the work, except in the kitchen. We worked with a great kitchen tile company to install a complete new counter top, drawers and sink. We found all of the tiles to match up with the original style. The only part of the interior flooring that we could not bring back to it’s original state was in the kitchen, so we installed a high quality laminated flooring to blend with the real natural wood.

So if you’re looking to have remodeling of any sort performed at your home, big or small job. Please give us a call here at Double G. John Gregg: CEO/ President will come out personally to look at your job, hear what you’re looking to do, give you his opinion on the work along with a hand written estimate.

Double G Painting – Wood Restoration Project – Coronado Island

Published by Double G Painting Contractor on October 23, 2015

Below are some great pictures of a recent painting project completed by Double G Painting on Coronado Island.The team sanded, prepped, primed, and re-painted all the wood trim and power washed the entire exterior using BEHR wood cleaner/brightener. As you can tell from the bright gold wood siding, this treatment makes an enormous difference! The dark color is the Woodscapes acrylic base waterproofing stain in a semi-transparent finish. It’s amazing that older wood which was covered with mold, dirt, fungus, and sun damage is able to come back to life with such brightness! Whether it’s wood restoration or any other interior or exterior painting services, Double G Painting gives you a superior finished product at the right price.We are proud of the quality of our exterior painting projects at Double G, and wanted to show our customers how much of a difference this can make in the appearance of your home!

Check out these results!

Before

After

House Painting and Roofing in Point Loma

Published by Double G Painting Contractor on June 25, 2015

This job was contracted by a customer referral. That’s what we love here @doubleg. Hearing our customers talk good about us to their friends and neighbours. That’s something you can not buy or put a price on!We’re doing all the exterior trim painting as well as cleaning and coating the Foam roof using Kool-Seal White Elastomeric roof coating. That’s the primary work, were also doing a bunch of other small jobs on the house like masonry work and carpentry work. We try to give one (1) flat rate, up front for any entire job after assessing what it is the customer wants done is heard and we’ve came to an understanding of the scope of work.Once the price is settled and contracts have been written up, NO deposit or money at all until all the work is complete. We go to work and do not stop until the job is done rite.

Thank you, please feel free to contact us with any questions or a free estimate today if you live in the Greater San Diego area.

John Gregg: CEO/ President

Free info and tips on how to stain concrete.

Published by Double G Painting Contractor on June 25, 2015

You as a home owner can take your old cracked cement driveway and turn it into something new! Home Depot carries these stains and solid color Epoxy Coatings . If you do not have a power washer or a good water hose head with strong pressure than get some BHER concrete cleaner and degreaser. Presoak the entire area and scrub using a hard bristle broom while the water and solution are penitrating.

Once youve gone over the whole area once using the degreaser, allow time to dry. Then use the BEHR cleaner and etching solution, following the same process as the fist step. Once more allow at least a 24 hours or more dry time, given the weather is good.

After your driveay or walkway is all cleaned and etched, you’ll want to be sure before all steps above that the grass or weeds that may be over growing are hedged back at least a few inches and trenched down a little as well.

Now you are ready to apply your first coat. If its been previously coated you’ll want to use a clear bonding primer by BHER as well, allow dry time again 24 hours then put your solid finish coat on. Two coats is recommended. If your concrete is in good shape and you’re wanting to use a penitrating stain its the same process.

Hopfully this is helpful info for anyone looking to improve your home, feel free to call us if you have any questions.

Why replace your roof when you can Preserve Your roof?

Published by Double G Painting Contractor on June 24, 2015

Here are some before and after photos of an overall repair job on a Carlsbad gravel n tar roof . Using Apoc roofing emulsion and A-1 Grit 3/8 crushed rock, were brooding back the loose rock from around all four sides of the roof edge, about one foot from the gutter/ edge. Then applying the Apoc and new stone. Also around all metal vents and flashing, pushing back the gravel, patching with heavy cement, priming all metal with Block-Rust by Dunn-Edwards followed by painting to match trim color of house with Roof master enamel heat resistant paint.This is a great way for you to preserve your roof and prolong replacement of your roof and save money . For personal tips on how to do this type of work and where to buy materials, please feel free to contact us for free information or follow us on Twitter, Google Plus,Linkedin or Facebook for more handy tips and ideas.

Thank you. CEO/ President John Gregg

Before Photos

After Photos

Happy Customer In Carlsbad|House Painting

Published by Double G Painting Contractor on June 17, 2015

This Job is in the finishing stages of Exterior Trim Painting and Gravel Rock Roofing Repair .

One of the things this customer really liked about Double G Painting and Contracting is being involved in the paint and material selections. We’ll walk you through the process of picking colors and material to keep your job looking fresh for years to come. Here at Double G Painting And Contracting we pride our selves on using only the top grade paints and materials from top suppliers such as Dunn-Edwards Sherwin-Williams and Frazee . In fact we have such a good relationship with these companies that they will gladly send out a product representative to the job to assist in picking out paints, stains and sealers that is perfect for your job!

John Gregg Owner/CEO

Interior Painting In San Diego

Published by Double G Painting Contractor on May 5, 2015

What Can A Professional Interior Painting Service Do For You?Different types of colors and textures have a powerful impact on the complete appearance of the interior parts of any home. Best quality interior painting job involves much more than just putting a coat of paint on the walls. It needs skilled hands along with close attention to the details. In fact, interior painting is like an art, and to get the best art for your home, you must ask for the services of any professional interior painting San Diego company like Double G Painting & Contracting, Inc. So, whether you want to offer the bedrooms of your home a completely different look or want to change the old paints of the bathrooms, then Double G Painting & Contracting, Inc. can only offer you the desired, impeccable and most professional results. By offering a unique style to the interior, these painting services offer a myriad of textures, appealing colors and techniques to select from.

The professional painters of this company only the finest quality interior paints that protect the walls from peeling, chipping, mildew and other types of extreme environmental conditions. Different types of painting processes like faux painting, wall stenciling and rubber stamping are executed here in the proficient and organized way. While done properly, the right type of interior painting can convert any room from the utilitarian and dull look to the exquisite and stunning one. Double G Painting & Contracting, Inc. understands this well and so it can transform the surroundings with various types of colors and shades. Besides, this company can work with its clients to find the precise aesthetics according to their requirements as well as by executing them in the perfect way. This company can also show you that how your preferred colors can be reproduced perfectly on the walls of your room.

While appointing the service of this professional interior painting San Diego company, you can be assured to get only the precise look that you long for. Double G Painting & Contracting, Inc. not only has the necessary experience to do the right job, but also it also has the record of offering exceptional client service. So, this company will work with you in every single step while coloring your interior, and after that you will only get a completely transformed home.

To learn more about the interior painting services of Double G Painting & Contracting, Inc., you can visit on to doubleg2010.com.

Exterior Painting In San Diego

Published by Double G Painting Contractor on May 5, 2015

Decorate Your Home With Professional QualityIt is quite surprising what a new paint coat can do for the overall outside appearance of any house. The look of the home can become more elegant and sophisticated, more welcoming and charming on the basis of the exterior paint, which is used to color the outer part of any home. Every home has its unique style and the exterior paint of the house reflect the style with an added appeal. By choosing the services of any exterior painting San Diego company like Double G Painting & Contracting, Inc., you can stay assured that the exterior part of your home can surpass or equal all your expectations. Ask for the service of the experts while your home has cracked peeled or faded paint. Anything can hide this fault and even after several tries, your home can look unattractive and forbidding due to the poor painting job.

The professional painters of Double G Painting & Contracting, Inc. recognize that while the clients choose them, they also trust them to perform the best quality work on their homes. So, the entire exterior painting process of this company varies on the basis of the requirements outlined in the proposal. Besides, this company is also well aware of the fact how much important the exterior paint is to the total appearance of any home. So, the expert painters of this company can show you how can a professional paint job work like a wonder for the overall look of any house while making the homes stand out in the best possible way. If you are thinking that the exterior paint will cost huge then don’t worry much. You don’t have to spend a lot to provide the exterior part of your home a sleek and new appearance without conducting any major work.

The unique range of color schemes offered by this exterior painting San Diego Company will help your home to look as great as a new home. Remember one thing that when it comes to decorating your home in a new way, the experience really matters. Double G Painting & Contracting, Inc. only includes experienced and expert painters. This is why, this company can provide your home a completely stunning and dramatic new look with just a few brush strokes. After the painting process, you will count yourself as one of the satisfied clients of this company with a beautiful home. Visit doubleg2010.com to learn more.

Drywall Contractor In San Diego

Published by Double G Painting Contractor on May 5, 2015

Drywall is known as the material which is used to create the ceilings and walls. Covered with paper and made of the gypsum board, drywall is used widely across the world due to the sturdiness, easy to work with nature and also because it can be secured easily to any frame or structure. Once this material is installed, the surface can easily be covered and textured with wallpaper or paint. Drywall is very important for any home. While installed properly, this material can provide you added living space along with a solid, smooth surface. Some of the popular reasons why the drywall gets damaged are the removal of any wall covering, improper installation and water. So, if you are looking for a service oriented and reliable drywall contractor San Diego, then you will hire the service of Double G Painting & Contracting, Inc. Since the inception of this company, it has offered the quality products and top notch service.

Double G Painting & Contracting, Inc provides the clients “one stop shop” facility by giving them both the commercial and residential drywall contracting services. This company takes a great pride in fulfilling the individual requirement of every client. The drywall service offered by this company includes: supplying and installing the drywalls, sanding, taping, texturing and removing the construction materials. With the comprehensive quality control system offered by this company ensures 100% client satisfaction and with the help of the hard working, professional and focused team, this company is capable of building up the reputation for offering best quality services at the competitive rates.

The best thing about Double G Painting & Contracting, Inc. is that the contractors of this company are incredibly passionate about their business as well as about their clients. This is the reason why this company offers a similar high level of service to both the commercial and domestic clients. Besides, the skilled and the highly experienced workforce ensure that the clients get the best quality every time and there is no hidden charge too. All of these things are really helpful in building the trust in the professionals of the drywall contractor San Diego Company Double G Painting & Contracting, Inc. Moreover, this thing also helps you in maintaining the proper value of your beautiful home. So, if you have noticed any holes and cracks in the drywall in your home, then it is the best time to contact with Double G Painting & Contracting, Inc. by visiting doubleg2010.com